What you need for a Customer Day

A Customer Day needs more than food and drinks. You will also need supplies for registration, name badges, seating, the buffet and printed information. Use the quantities from your final guest list to buy catering and tableware, then add a small buffer for late arrivals or spills. Check deliveries and special-diet meals before shopping, because these are easy to arrange too late.

The full checklist for this plan is being updated. The tips and answers below still apply.

Tips

Plan two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Include water as well as coffee, tea and other drinks.
Buy or prepare at least one plate, cutlery set, water glass and coffee cup per guest, plus 10% extra. For a group of 50, that means five spare place settings.
Set aside one name badge, one pen and one printed program per registered guest, with at least five blank badges for last-minute attendees. Keep these at the registration desk.
Allow one serving platter and one pair of serving tongs for each separate buffet dish. Label special-diet meals before setup so they are not mixed into the main buffet.
Check power needs at least one day before the event. Count coffee machines, kettles, lamps and speakers, then bring enough extension cords and power strips without overloading one outlet.

Frequently asked questions

How many drinks do I need for a Customer Day?: Plan for two to three drinks per person during the first hour, followed by about one drink per person per hour. Add extra water and increase the total if the event lasts more than three hours.
How much tableware should I buy for a Customer Day?: Provide one plate, cutlery set, water glass and coffee cup per guest, then add 10% spare. For 50 guests, prepare at least 55 of each item; wine glasses are only needed if wine is being served.
When should I prepare name badges and printed programs?: Prepare them at least one day before Customer Day, using the final registration list. Keep five to ten blank badges and spare pens at the registration desk for late registrations or damaged badges.
How many special-diet meals should I order?: Order one clearly labelled meal for every confirmed dietary requirement, based on the final registration list. Confirm the numbers with the caterer at least 48 hours before the event and keep those meals separate during setup.